2007 Conference Overview
What's New |
Schedule |
Keynote SpeakersWhat is Citizen
Science Monitoring?
Citizen science monitoring engages volunteers in the
collection of ecological information. Participants
observe and measure specific factors in the environment
and contribute their data to ongoing projects/programs.
Citizen science monitoring efforts can contribute to
policy making, natural resource management, scientific
studies, habitat and species preservation, and
environmental education.
Citizen science monitoring as a conference theme...
A great way to learn about Wisconsin’s natural
resources is through hands-on experience. The goal of
this conference was to provide opportunities for students
to participate in projects that expand scientific
knowledge, to make meaningful contributions, to become
more aware of their surroundings, to deepen their sense
of place, and to strengthen their connection to the
environment.
Participants learned
about other students’ environmental research projects.
They left prepared to lead students at their school in making
a difference by participating in scientific research.
Presentations by a variety of state and national
programs introduced participants to citizen science
monitoring opportunities in which students and teachers
can become involved. Participants left inspired
and with the information needed to participate in a
monitoring program suitable for any area of the state.
Topics Covered
Monitoring programs focused on a variety of topics:
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Water monitoring - stream quality, lake quality,
groundwater
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Invasive species - purple
loosestrife, exotic earthworms, zebra
mussels
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Animals - mammals, birds
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Air quality
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Weather monitoring
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Plant studies
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Energy use
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Writing and
communication
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Data gathering and
analysis techniques
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Computer-based data
sharing
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Natural resource
management
Participants
Received:
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Background information on the resources being
monitored
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An
overview of how to organize and conduct monitoring
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Preparation for what to do with the data collected
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Information on how the data is used
Also Featuring...
Citizenship
Throughout the conference the idea of citizenship
was explored. As an active citizen science
monitoring participant, you can make a difference to
your community and fellow citizens. Participants learned
how their
research can be more than a school project.
Career Information
Environmental monitoring is a part of many careers.
Participants visited with working professionals in environmental fields
and asked questions about the monitoring they do. They
brought tools of the trade and information to share.
Featured
guests included research scientists from the Wisconsin
DNR, a geologist from an environmental consulting firm,
energy specialists from the Midwest Renewable Energy
Association, an environmental coordinator from the
Wisconsin Department of Transportation, a meteorologist
from the National Weather Service, and the director
of Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development
Council, Inc.
Student Poster Session
Students who are currently involved in monitoring
programs at their schools discussed their research
during a poster session. They networked with other students to
learn about the types of environmental monitoring done
around the state.
Next Steps
If they were already involved in an environmental
monitoring program, participants could learn how to take the next step.
They discussed what can be done with the
data that has been collected and how their research can
make a difference to others.
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